Borgarnes City
Icelandic town and regional service centre
A fjord town with a Saga museum, Borgarnes sits on Borgarfjörður; visitors use it as a base for Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt’s hot springs, and coastal walks where sheep graze beside lava fields.
Why Visit Borgarnes?#
Overlooking Borgarfjörður, this coastal Icelandic town is a gateway to dramatic natural sights such as Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and the historic Reykholt settlement. The Settlement Centre interprets Viking-age stories, making the town a solid base for exploring lava fields, hot springs like Deildartunguhver and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Expect hearty Icelandic lamb, skyr and a calm small-town rhythm that suits hikers and anyone chasing landscape history rather than nightlife.
Best Things to Do in Borgarnes#
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Borgarnes Bucket List#
Borgarnes Settlement Center (Sagnheimar) - Visit the Settlement Center to learn Icelandic sagas and regional history through exhibits.
Borgarnes waterfront promenade - Walk the waterfront promenade for coastal views, cafés, and local sculpture installations.
Local seafood restaurants - Dine at waterfront restaurants serving fresh West Iceland seafood and seasonal dishes.
Krauma geothermal baths - Relax at Krauma baths using Deildartunguhver’s hot spring water and modern spa facilities.
Grábrók crater hikes - Climb Grábrók crater for easy hikes and expansive lava-field views nearby.
Small local galleries and craft shops - Browse tiny galleries showcasing regional art, woollen goods, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss - Drive to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss to see layered lava waterfalls and rushing rapids.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Spend a day exploring Snæfellsnes with dramatic coastlines, fishing villages, and a glacier.
Best Time to Visit Borgarnes#
Summer offers the best window for visiting Borgarnes-long daylight and accessible roads for exploring West Iceland. Winters are stormy with short daylight but spectacular when the skies clear.
December - February
-5 to 4°C (23-39°F)
Unpredictable, stormy winter with short daylight and frequent gales; dramatic landscapes, fewer tourists, and good chances for northern lights on clear nights.
March - May
0 to 10°C (32-50°F)
Slowly lengthening days, thawing snows, and improving roads; shoulder season feels raw but rewarding for photographers and quiet scenic drives.
June - August
7 to 14°C (45-57°F)
Cool summers with steady winds and long daylight; ideal for hiking, coastal drives, and whale-watching, but pack warm layers and waterproofs.
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 13°C. Moderate rainfall (786 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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How to Get to Borgarnes#
Borgarnes is best reached from Reykjavík or Keflavík by regional coach or rental car - Iceland has no passenger rail service. Bus timetables are seasonal so book or check schedules in advance during shoulder seasons.
Keflavík International Airport (KEF): The main international airport for Iceland. Driving from KEF to Borgarnes takes roughly 75-110 minutes (depending on route and weather); bus services (e.g., Reykjavík Excursions / Strætó connections) run between KEF or Reykjavík and Borgarnes with journey times from Reykjavik about 50-75 minutes. Coach fares from Reykjavik to Borgarnes are commonly ISK 1,800-2,500.
Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV): Domestic flights arrive into Reykjavík city airport; from Reykjavík you can reach Borgarnes by bus or rental car in about 50-75 minutes.
Train: Iceland has no passenger rail network.
Bus: Intercity buses (Strætó and private coach operators) link Reykjavík, Keflavík and Borgarnes. Timetables vary seasonally; coaches are the practical public transport option to reach Borgarnes and onward to Snæfellsnes or West Iceland.
How to Get Around Borgarnes#
Travel to Borgarnes is typically by coach from Reykjavík or by rental car from Keflavík. Buses are the public option, but renting a car gives maximum flexibility for exploring West Iceland’s attractions.
- Intercity bus (Strætó / private coaches) (ISK 1,500-2,500) - The main public transport link between Reykjavík/Keflavík and Borgarnes. Buses are comfortable but less frequent than in mainland Europe-book in advance in peak season. Journey from Reykjavík is about 50-75 minutes.
- Car / Rental (ISK 6,000-15,000/day) - Driving is the most flexible way to explore West Iceland; roads are generally good but weather can change quickly, especially in winter. Borgarnes makes a convenient base for westward drives and day trips to Snæfellsnes.
- Taxi / Private transfer (ISK 10,000-30,000) - Useful for direct transfers from Keflavík or Reykjavík when buses do not fit your schedule. Expect high fares compared with buses-best for groups or time‑sensitive connections.
- Local buses (ISK 200-800) - Local services within the Borgarnes area connect nearby villages and attractions; frequencies are limited, so check schedules ahead of time. Useful for short hops if you don’t have a car.
- Cycling / Walking - Borgarnes town itself is walkable; cycling is possible in summer but beware weather and wind. Walking is the best way to explore the compact centre and shoreline.
Where to Stay in Borgarnes#
Town centre - ISK 6,000-12,000/night
Borgarnes has a small selection of budget hotels and guesthouses. Expect simple amenities and good value for exploring West Iceland.
Hotel B59 Borgarnes - Simple, budget-friendly rooms near town
Guesthouses and hostels (listings) - A few small affordable stays available
Town centre / coastal road - ISK 12,000-22,000/night
Mid-range hotels provide comfortable rooms and hearty breakfasts, convenient for Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes day trips.
Hotel Borgarnes - Comfortable rooms, good breakfast
Hotel Hamar - Country-style rooms, scenic surroundings
Regional / Reykjavik for luxury - ISK 22,000+/night
Borgarnes itself has limited luxury offerings; for top-tier lodges and resort experiences, plan to stay closer to Reykjavik or remote luxury farms.
Deplar Farm (region) - High-end remote lodge (long drive away)
Luxury: larger properties in Reykjavik - Best luxury options in the capital
Where to Eat in Borgarnes#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Borgarnes’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Borgarnes#
Shopping in Borgarnes is small-scale: a few galleries, souvenir shops and practical stores for visitors. The Settlement Centre and local craft outlets are the main places to pick up regional handicrafts and books.
